Summer in the UK this year seemed to make an appearance as brief as a pop-up shop—blink, and you missed it. With the fleeting sunshine behind us, it's time to shift our attention to something that promises to stick around longer: the best trainers of 2024. This season’s collection of kicks is not just about stepping out in style; it's about finding the perfect blend of design, affordability, comfort, and durability. Our editorial team has scoured the sneaker landscape to bring you the hottest picks, whether they’re trending for their cutting-edge looks, boasting unbeatable comfort, or becoming the must-have item that’s nearly impossible to snag. Get ready to explore the trainers that are defining 2024, ensuring your footwear game remains strong regardless of the weather.
Adidas Samba
The moment you clicked, you knew the Adidas Samba would be on the list. Yes, they are still popular. They’re easy to style, comfortable, and come in many colours, making them a top choice. The Samba’s timeless design proves some classics never go out of style. You can grab a pair here, £77.
Tennis-inspired
A standout trend in 2024 is tennis-core trainers. These sleek, minimalist sneakers draw inspiration from classic tennis shoes, combining elegance with functionality. Perfect for a sporty, chic look, they offer superior comfort and support, making them ideal for all-day wear.
Our pick is the Reebok Club C. You can grab them here, £70.
The ON shoe craze
Sneakers from ON have become the official cool-girl sporty shoe. Known for their low-profile design and wide array of colors, ON shoes epitomize casual chic. This year's tan iteration offers a stylish alternative to white sneakers, combining aesthetic appeal with practicality.
You can get a pair here, £150.
Sneakers with a silver element
One of the most striking trends in 2024 footwear is sneakers with a silver element. These metallic accents bring a futuristic flair to any outfit, blending high fashion with everyday wearability. Silver elements, from sleek overlays to bold reflective panels, make these sneakers visually stunning and versatile.
Our pick is the Golden Goose Women's Marathon sneakers. You can get them here, £461.
Adidas x Wales Bonner
A noteworthy collaboration this year is Adidas x Wales Bonner. This partnership blends Adidas' iconic sportswear with Wales Bonner's unique aesthetic. Inspired by 1970s Afro-Caribbean style, these sneakers feature intricate details, bold colours, and mixed textures, making them a stylish and meaningful addition to your 2024 sneaker collection. You can grab a pair here, from £1000
The Air Jordan I
The Air Jordan I continues to captivate sneaker enthusiasts with its nostalgic charm and iconic status. As one of the most celebrated sneakers in history, its timeless design and cultural significance keep it perpetually in style, making it a must-have for both collectors and casual wearers in 2024. You can grab the Air Jordan Satin Red here, £110.
School Nostalgia
Generation Z effortlessly blends modern trends with nostalgic elements, evident in their choice of footwear like the Vans Knu Skool and Adidas Campus. These sneakers epitomize the trend of pairing contemporary fashion with retro vibes, showcasing Gen Z's unique approach to style.
You can grab the Knu Skool trainers here, from £100.
Air Jordan 4 Military Blue
The "Military Blue" Air Jordan 4, as it's rightfully known, returns for the third time since its 1989 debut. This edition, faithful to the original with Nike Air on the heel, honours its unique place in sneaker history, beloved by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike for its timeless appeal and summer-ready style. They're unfortunately sold out pretty much everywhere.
Nike SB 'Futura' Dunk Low OG QS Skate Shoes
In the 2020s, Nike SB soared with collaborations like Ben & Jerry's and Polaroid, expanding its cultural influence. This year, SB revisited its roots with a new Dunk collaboration featuring Futura, a graffiti pioneer. The white-based Dunk, adorned with sections of Futura's artwork, celebrates SB's legacy while offering a clean, nostalgic glimpse into Nike's storied past.
You can get them here, from £201.
Travis Scott x Jordan CJ1 T-Rexx
Travis Scott's partnership with Nike and Jordan Brand has become legendary, marked by consistent sell-outs and record-breaking releases on the SNKRS app. Now, his own silhouette—the CJ1 T-Rexx or possibly the Jumpman Jack or Cut the Check—has debuted, showcasing his influence extends beyond iconic Jordan models to a uniquely branded sneaker of his own. These are sold out.
A$AP Rocky X Puma Inhale OG ‘Summer Melon’
Ever since A$AP Rocky was appointed as creative director for Puma's Formula 1 collaboration, the question on everyone's mind was answered with the introduction of the A$AP Rocky x Puma Inhale OG ‘Summer Melon.’ This revamped 2000s silhouette retains its mesh construction, CMEVA foam midsole, and Formstrip detailing, now enhanced with A$AP Rocky's personalized footbed and unique shoebox design. There are a few sizes here, from £324.
Cactus Plant Flea Market X Nike Air Force 1 ‘Fuchsia’
For enthusiasts of bold footwear, the Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Air Force 1 ‘Fuchsia’ is an irresistible choice. This vibrant sneaker demands attention with its striking color and unique design, blending elements of the Air Force 1 with the iconic Air More Uptempo. A sequel to the 2019 collection, it embodies a whimsical fusion of styles that refuses to go unnoticed.
Clot X Adidas Superstar ‘Cloud White’
In late 2023, Edison Chen of Clot announced the end of their 18-year partnership with Nike. Despite the breakup, the Hong Kong streetwear label rebounded with the Clot x Adidas Superstar ‘Cloud White,’ transforming the classic silhouette with intricate brogue-style perforations along the sidewalls and a distinctive loafer-inspired tassel. The sneaker’s bold, toothy sole adds an extra touch of flair to the design. You can grab them here, £450.
